I present to you the class of 2004

I've been noticing that BC been assembling players from the High School class of 2004. I find it interesting and I guess it helps with chemistry since they've been playing with each others since high school. Going down the list I was surprised to see Lowry as ranked as the 31st player in his class. I think that shows how hard his worked to make himself a starting point guard in the league and would definitely be in the top 10 in this class right now. People might be asking why I have Josh Smith on there. That's cause I have a gut feeling that his the next target to join this team. I see it happening via sign trade with AB, Fields and are pick this year going too Atlanta. I feel like if we make the playoffs with have a pretty good pitch for J Smoove. Selling him on being the missing piece in a title contender team.

4. Josh Smith
5. Rudy Gay
6. Sebastian Telfair
31. Kyle Lowry

Other surprising rankings are Al Horford at 47 and Joakim Noah at 63. Shows what three years of college will do.

Even with the pick, no way Atlanta does that deal. They will have better offers and Smith wants to come here why? He can go to Dallas or one of the teams with cap space and likely be closer to contention.

I beleive Smith is unrestricted, so I don't see him doing a sign and trade because it limits his options of where he can go, and for Atlanta's part they prefered to have him come off the books than trade for anything that was offered before the deadline.

The ball is in Smith's court now, so he can go anywhere he likes. Wouldn't surprise me if both he and his buddy D. Howard decided to go to Dallas and join Nowitzki, sort of like Bosh and James going to Miami. They very well may have discussed doing this privately already.

I beleive Smith is unrestricted, so I don't see him doing a sign and trade because it limits his options of where he can go, and for Atlanta's part they prefered to have him come off the books than trade for anything that was offered before the deadline.

The ball is in Smith's court now, so he can go anywhere he likes. Wouldn't surprise me if both he and his buddy D. Howard decided to go to Dallas and join Nowitzki, sort of like Bosh and James going to Miami. They very well may have discussed doing this privately already.

That would be fun to watch. On another note, as good as Smith can be, do we want him lining up beside Rudy and DD? I just don't see another volume shooter being a good fit unless we unload one of the others. What the Raps are missing most is a tough, grizzled old vet like Oak who holds guys accountable for their effort on the court.

Ok but what if he want to come to Toronto? Atlanta wouldn't mind helping cause they'd like to atleast get something for him.

They worked hard to get Joe Johnson's massive contract off the books, why in everything holy would they want Bargs and Fields? I am sure they will use the cap space to sign people they want, that fit there system

What pick? If the Raptors make the playoffs like you suggest (and the reason you think Smith will want to come to Toronto) in your original post, then they won't be able to move another first rounder since their deal with OKC isn't completed.

Chr1s1anL wrote:

Ok but what if he want to come to Toronto? Atlanta wouldn't mind helping cause they'd like to atleast get something for him.

I'm pretty sure the Hawks would prefer losing Smith "for nothing" and using the cap space for themselves going forward than trading for Fields/Bargnani and having to pay them $20 million combined for the next two years.